Function-performing mechanism

ABSTRACT

A pair of differently encoded function mechanisms each for operating the line feed mechanism of a printer and a pair of strippers one of which resets one of the function mechanisms after a single line feed operation and the other of which resets the other of the function mechanisms after more than one line feed operation. Similarly, a second pair of differently encoded function mechanisms each for operating the reverse line feed mechanism of the printer which are individually reset by the strippers after single and multiple reverse line feed operations.

l] e States ate [151 3,43% Henley 1 Feb. 1972 [54] FUNCTlON-PERFORMHNG 2,763,357 9/1956 Madsen ..l97/l l4 MECHANISM 2,791,311 5/1957 Yerks et al.... ....197/114 3,225,886 12/1965 Cetran et a1. 197/84 Inventor Ronald Wiley, Niles, 3,389,774 6/1968 Barkdoll ..2197/s2 x t Sk ki Ill. [73] Asslgnee Teletype corpora o 6 Primary Examiner-Emest T. Wright, Jr. [22] Filed! Anr- 1967 Attorney-11. P. Milleo and .I. L. Landis [21] Appl. No.: 631,232 ABSTRACT A pair of differently encoded function mechanisms each for E (g! ..197/114, Uzi/13h 13%; operating the line feed mechanism of a primer and a pair of [58] Fieid I23 25 33 strippers one of which resets one of the function mechanisms after a single line feed operation and the other of which resets the other of the function mechanisms after more than one line [56] References Cited feed operation. Similarly, a second pair of differently encoded UNITED STATES PATENTS function mechanisms each for operating the reverse line feed mechanism of the printer which are individually reset by the 2,595,745 5/1952 Zenner ..178/33 strippers ft single and mumple reverse i f d operations 2,666,095 1/1954 Zener 178/23 2,701,823 2/1955 Madsen ..178/25 8 Claims, 2 Drawing FUNCTlON-IPERFORMlNG MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to function performing mechanisms for use in teletypewriters, data processing machines and the like and more particularly to a mechanism for controlling the operation of the line feed mechanisms of teletypewriters to provide signal controlled single and multiple, forward and reverse line feed, which function has not heretofore been available on such devices. This invention comprises an improvement over the devices disclosed in Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,095 granted Jan. 12, 1954, Madsen U.S. Pat. No. 2,701,823, granted Feb. 8, 1955, and Madsen U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,357 granted Sept. 18, 1956.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the preferred embodiment of the invention a signal controlled or on-line function-performing mechanism capable of performing any function for different lengths of time is provided by mounting a function-performing mechanism for actuation by either of two differently encoded function mechanisms and by resetting the function mechanisms at different times after actuation thereby terminating the performance of the function after it has been performed for two different periods of time depending on which of the two function mechanisms actuated the function performing mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a function-performing mechanism employing the present invention, and

FIG. 2 is a partial, sectional view of a portion of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, with particular reference being had to FIG. 1, there is shown a pair of code bars which comprise a portion of a plurality of code bars 10 one of which is individual to each bit in the characters acted upon by the mechanism. The code bars 10 have teeth 11 formed on their forward edges which are positioned in either of two binary positions depending on the nature of the bit with which the particular code bar 10 is associated by a mechanism similar to the device shown and described in Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,745 granted May 6, 1952. The device shown in the Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,745 patent is a telegraph selector mechanism which receives signals in serial form and which produces a mechanical output corresponding to the received characters. It should be understood that the code bars 10 need not be part of a telegraph receiver and that they could comprise a portion of any mechanism, such as a data processing device, etc., which operates on characters on an individual bit basis.

Positioned adjacent the code bars 10 is a plurality of differently encoded function mechanisms A, B, C, D, etc. The four function mechanisms A, B, C, and D shown comprise a portion of a large number of function mechanisms A, B, C, and D, etc., which act in combination with the code bars 10 to initiate and control the performance of various functions in response to the positioning of the code bars 10 in permutation patterns corresponding to the encoding of the various function mechanisms A, B, C, D etc. All of the function mechanisms A, B, C, and D are substantially identical and accordingly, the operation of only one of the function mechanisms A, B, C, and D will be described herein. Corresponding members in each of the function mechanisms A, B, C and D shown in the drawing are labeled with the same reference numeral with the members individual to particular function mechanisms A, B, C, and D shown being differentiated from similar members by a suffix letter corresponding to the function mechanism A, B, C, or D of which the member forms a part.

Each of the function mechanisms A, B, C or D includes a function bar 15 which is slidably mounted on a rod 16 and which is urged toward the code bars 10 by a spring 17. The function bars 15 each have a plurality of tines 18 formed on their ends adjacent the code bars 10. The function bars 15 are encoded by breaking away the tines 18 so that the particular function mechanism A, B, C, or D is coded with a particular character.

The function bars 15 are normally prevented from movement under the action of their individual springs 17 by a bar 20 which engages feet 21 on the function bars 15. As is fully described in Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,095 granted Jan. 12, 1954, the bar 20 is moved toward the code bars 10 once during each character cycle of the mechanism. This permits the function bars 15 to move toward the code bars 10 under the action of their individual springs 17. If any of the tines 18 of a particular function bar 15 strikes a tooth 11 on any of the code bars 10 that is, if the code bars are not positioned in accordance with the coding of the particular function bar 15, the particular function bar 15 is blocked from further movement after a short amount of travel and nothing further takes place, The bar 20 simply reengages the foot 21 of the particular function bar 15 and returns the function bar 15 to the position shown in the drawing. If none of the tines 18 of a particular function bar 15 engages any tooth 11 of the code bars 10, that is, if the code bars 10 are positioned in accordance with the coding of the particular function bar 15, the particular function bar 15 moves fully forward under the action of its individual spring 17.

Each of the function mechanisms A, B, C or D includes a function pawl 25 which is slidably mounted on a bar 26 and which is urged toward the code bars 10 by a spring 27. If none of the tines 18 of a particular function bar 15 engages a tooth 11 of the code bars 10, the particular function bar 15 moves far enough forward to move a finger 28 positioned on its end remote from the code bars 10 out from under a shoulder 29 on its associated function pawl 25. This allows the shoulder 29 to fall behind the finger 29 so that, as the bar 20 restores the function bars 15 to the position shown in the drawing, the function pawl 25 is moved relative to the bar 26 against the action of the spring 27.

Each of the function pawls 25 is provided with a laterally extending tab 32 which extends adjacent a function lever 33 individual to the particular function mechanism A, B, C or D. The function levers 33 are pivotally mounted on the rod 16 so that, if a particular function pawl 25 is moved by its function bar 15 against the action of its spring 17, the tab 32 of the particular pawl 25 causes its associated function lever 33 to rock. about the rod 16, thereby producing a mechanical output of the particular function mechanism A, B, C or D. The rocking motion of the function lever 33 may be used to open or close switches, to trip clutches or to perform various other functrons.

In the particular mechanism shown in the drawing, a pair of function-performing slider members 38 and 39 are slidably mounted in a bar 40 and are retained therein by a plate 41. The function-performing member 38 is positioned for movement to an actuated position by either of the function levers 33 of the function mechanisms C or D in response to the movement of the function bar 15 of either of the function mechanisms C or D to its fully actuated position. Upon actua tion, the function-performing member 38 engages a line feed clutch trip lever 42 and rocks the lever 42 about a pivot shaft 43 against the action of a spring 44. Rocking movement of the lever 42 trips a line feed clutch 45. The lever 42 and the clutch 45 correspond exactly to the line feed clutch trip lever 84 and the line feed clutch 65 of Madsen U.S. Pat. NO. 2,701,823 granted Feb. 8, 1955 and, accordingly, upon actuation by either of the function levers 33 of the function mechanisms C and D, the function-performing member 38 initiates a line feed operation.

The function-performing member 39 is positioned for actuation by the function lever 33 of either of the function mechanisms A or B. Upon actuation the function-performing member 39 initiates a line feed operation by rocking the clutch trip lever 42 through the cooperation of a tab 50 on the function performing member 39 and a tab 51 on the function performing member 38.

The function-performing member 39 also engages and operates a reverse line feed lever 52, The lever 52 corresponds exactly to the lever 61 shown and described in Madsen U.S. Pat. No. 2,763,357 granted Sept. 18, 1956. Therefore, upon actuation, the function-performing member 39 operates the lever 52 to condition the line feed mechanism for a reverse line feed operation and operates on the lever 42 to trip the clutch 45 and thereby initiate a line feed operation.

A stripper blade 55 is positioned beneath the function pawls 25 of all of the function mechanisms A, B. C and D. As is described in the Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,095 patent, the stripper blade 55 is raised from the position shown in the drawing once during each character cycle of the machine. When the stripper blade 55 is raised it rocks the function pawls 25 about the bar 26 to lift the shoulders 29 to a position wherein they are above the upper most edge of the fingers 28 on the function bars 15. As soon as the shoulders 29 clear the fingers 28 the springs 27 return the function pawls 25 to the position shown in the drawing. This operation returns the function levers 33 to the position shown in the drawing thereby discontinuing the performance of any function initiated by the rocking of the function levers 33 about the rod 16.

The stripper blade 55 has a pair of posts 56 mounted on it which in turn slidably support an auxiliary stripper 57. The auxiliary stripper 57 is mounted for actuation by a rocker arm 58 which is pivotally mounted on the shaft 43 and which is engaged with a cam disc 59 attached to the driven side of the clutch 45. The auxiliary stripper 57 is positioned beneath the function pawls of the function mechanisms A and C so that, since the auxiliary stripper 57 is supported on the stripper 55, the function pawls 25 forming part of the function mechanisms A and C may be restored to the position shown in the drawing upon actuation of the auxiliary stripper 57 in response to the operation of the cam disc 59 or in response to actuation of the stripper 55 as described in the Zenner U.S. Pat. No. 2,666,095 patent.

As is described in the Madsen U.S. Pat. No. 2,701,823 patent the timing of the mechanism shown in the Zenner patent 2,666,095 is such that the stripper 55 operates too late in the cycle of the machine to restore the function levers 33 associated with the function mechanisms B and D after a single line feed operation. Thus, actuation of the members 38 and 39 by the function mechanisms D or B, respectively results in multiple line feed operationsv The cam disc 59, however, operates the auxiliary stripper 57 shortly after the initiation of a line feed operation and thereby resets the function mechanisms A and C in time to stop the line feed function after a single line feed operation. Thus, actuation of the members 38 and 39 by the function mechanisms C or A, respectively, results in a single line feed operation.

It should be understood that the tines 18 of the function bars 15 forming part of the function mechanisms A, B, C and D are coded differently one from the other. Thus, the positioning of the code bars 10 in one permutative combination will cause the function bar i which forms part of the function mechanism A to move to its fully actuated position whereas the positioning of the code bars in a different permutative combination will allow the function bar which forms part of the function mechanism B to move to its fully actuated position, etc. Thus, a reverse line feed operation may be initiated by two different combinations of the positions of the code bars 10, one of which actuates the function mechanism A and the other of which actuates the function mechanism B. Similarly,

a forward line feed operation may be initiated by either of two combinations of the positions of the code bars 10, one of which actuates the function mechanism C and the other of which actuates the function mechanism D. The difference which results from initiation of the forward and reverse line feed functions by the function mechanisms A and C from the initiation of these functions by the function mechanisms B and D is that the function mechanisms A and C are reset by the auxiliary stripper 57 after a single forward or a single reverse line feed operation whereas the function mechanisms B and D are reset by the stripper 55 after multiple forward or multiple reverse line feed operations.

It should be understood that the utility of the mechanism shown in the drawing is not limited to line feed operations, but may be used to control any function which is to be performed for different periods of time after initiation. It should be further understood that by modifying the design of the auxiliary stripper 57 and its actuating components the resetting of the function mechanisms A, B, C, D etc., associated with the auxiliary stripper 57 can be made to occur after the operation of the stripper 55 rather than prior thereto.

lclaim:

l. A function-performing mechanism including:

a plurality of code members each for assuming one or the other of two binary positions in response to the condition of an individual bit in each ofa plurality of characters;

a plurality of function mechanisms each encoded for cooperation with said code members to produce an output in response to a particular associated character;

first function'perfonning means responsive to the outputs of either of a first two function mechanisms for performing a first function in response to either of two first characters, and

means for terminating the performance of said first function at different times depending on which of said two function mechanisms causes said first function to be performed.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1 further including:

second function-performing means responsive to the outputs of either of a second two function mechanisms for performing a second function which includes the function performed by the first function performing means in response to either of two dissimilar second characters;

the terminating means also for terminating the performance of the second function at different times depending on which of the second two function mechanisms causes the second function to be performed.

3. The mechanism according to claim 4 wherein the function mechanisms each include means for producing a mechanical output in response to a particular associated character and wherein the first function-performing means includes a member slidably mounted adjacent a first two of said function mechanisms for movement to an actuated position in response to a mechanical output from either of the first two function mechanisms.

4. The mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the terminating means includes a stripper member for resetting one of said first two function mechanisms associated with said first function-performing means and thereby terminating performance of said first function at a predetermined time after initiation of performance of said first function, and an auxiliary stripper for resetting the other of said first two function mechanisms associated with said first function-performing means and thereby terminating performance of said first function at a different time after initiation of performance of said first function.

5. A signal responsive mechanism of the type including:

a plurality of code bars each positioned in one of two binary positions in accordance with the condition of an individual bit in a signal character,

a plurality of differently encoded function mechanisms each comprised of:

a function bar for sampling the positions of the code bars and for movement to an actuated position whenever the signal is a particular character, and a function lever for movement from a deactuated position to an actuated position in response to movement of the function bar to its actuated position, and

a first stripper for restoring all of the function levers which are in their actuated positions to there deactuated positions,

wherein the improvement comprises:

a first function-performing means positioned adjacent and associated with the two function levers of a first two of the plurality of function mechanisms, the first function-performing means being movable to an actuated position in response to movement to its actuated position of either of the two function levers of the first two function mechanisms; and

an auxiliary stripper responsive to movement of the first function performing means to its actuated position for invariably restoring one of the two function levers associated with the first function performing means to its deactuated position at a different time than the time at which the other of the two function levers associated with the function performing means is restored by said first stripper.

6. The signal responsive mechanism according to claim 5 wherein the improvement further comprises:

a second function-performing means positioned adjacent and associated with the two function levers of a second two of the plurality of function mechanisms, the second function-performing means being movable to an actuated position in response to movement to its actuated position of either of the two function levers of the second two function mechanisms; and

said auxiliary stripper also for invariably restoring one of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means to its deactuated position at a difierent time than the time at which the other of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means is restored by said first stripper.

7. The signal responsive mechanism according to claim 6 wherein the second function-performing means includes means for moving the first function-performing means to its actuated position in response to movement of either of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means to its actuated position.

8. in a signal response function-performing mechanism: a plurality of code bars;

a first function means comprising a first function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a first predetermined arrangement;

a second function means comprising a second function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a second predetermined arrangement;

a third function means comprising a third function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a third predetermined arrangement;

a fourth function means comprising a fourth function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a fourth predetermined arrangement;

first function-causing means responsive to movement under its bias of either the first or second function bars for causing a first function to be performed;

second function-causing means responsive to the movement under its bias of either the third or fourth function bars for causrng the first functron and a second functron to be performed; a first function-resetting the first and third function bars after function have been performed thereunder at least once, thereby assuring performance of the functions at least twice; and

a second function resetting means comprises a second stripper means responsive to the operation of the first function for resetting the second and fourth function bars prior to the conclusion of one operation of the functions, thereby assuring performance of the functions no more than once.

gg gi UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3: ,37 Dated ry 8, 1972 Ronald S. Denley Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

I Column 4, line so (Claim 3) Change "Claim a" to -Claim 1 Column 5, line 8 (claim 5) Change "there" to --their--.

Column 6, line 33 (Claim 8) After resetting? insert --means comprises a first stripper means for resetting-.

Signed and sealed this 12th day of September 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A function-performing mechanism including: a plurality of code members each for assuming one or the other of two binary positions in response to the condition of an individual bit in each of a plurality of characters; a plurality of function mechanisms each encoded for cooperation with said code members to produce an output in response to a particular associated character; first function-performing means responsive to the outputs of either of a first two function mechanisms for performing a first function in response to either of two first characters, and means for terminating the performance of said first function at different times depending on which of said first two function mechanisms causes said first function to be performed.
 2. The mechanism according to claim 1 further including: second function-performing means responsive to the outputs of either of a second two function mechanisms for performing a second function which includes the function performed by the first function performing means in response to either of two dissimilar second characters; the terminating means also for terminating the performance of the second function at differEnt times depending on which of the second two function mechanisms causes the second function to be performed.
 3. The mechanism according to claim 4 wherein the function mechanisms each include means for producing a mechanical output in response to a particular associated character and wherein the first function-performing means includes a member slidably mounted adjacent a first two of said function mechanisms for movement to an actuated position in response to a mechanical output from either of the first two function mechanisms.
 4. The mechanism according to claim 1 wherein the terminating means includes a stripper member for resetting one of said first two function mechanisms associated with said first function-performing means and thereby terminating performance of said first function at a predetermined time after initiation of performance of said first function, and an auxiliary stripper for resetting the other of said first two function mechanisms associated with said first function-performing means and thereby terminating performance of said first function at a different time after initiation of performance of said first function.
 5. A signal responsive mechanism of the type including: a plurality of code bars each positioned in one of two binary positions in accordance with the condition of an individual bit in a signal character, a plurality of differently encoded function mechanisms each comprised of: a function bar for sampling the positions of the code bars and for movement to an actuated position whenever the signal is a particular character, and a function lever for movement from a deactuated position to an actuated position in response to movement of the function bar to its actuated position, and a first stripper for restoring all of the function levers which are in their actuated positions to there deactuated positions, wherein the improvement comprises: a first function-performing means positioned adjacent and associated with the two function levers of a first two of the plurality of function mechanisms, the first function-performing means being movable to an actuated position in response to movement to its actuated position of either of the two function levers of the first two function mechanisms; and an auxiliary stripper responsive to movement of the first function performing means to its actuated position for invariably restoring one of the two function levers associated with the first function performing means to its deactuated position at a different time than the time at which the other of the two function levers associated with the function performing means is restored by said first stripper.
 6. The signal responsive mechanism according to claim 5 wherein the improvement further comprises: a second function-performing means positioned adjacent and associated with the two function levers of a second two of the plurality of function mechanisms, the second function-performing means being movable to an actuated position in response to movement to its actuated position of either of the two function levers of the second two function mechanisms; and said auxiliary stripper also for invariably restoring one of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means to its deactuated position at a different time than the time at which the other of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means is restored by said first stripper.
 7. The signal responsive mechanism according to claim 6 wherein the second function-performing means includes means for moving the first function-performing means to its actuated position in response to movement of either of the two function levers associated with the second function performing means to its actuated position.
 8. In a signal responsive function-performing mechanism: a plurality of code bars; a first function means comprising a first function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movemeNt under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a first predetermined arrangement; a second function means comprising a second function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a second predetermined arrangement; a third function means comprising a third function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a third predetermined arrangement; a fourth function means comprising a fourth function bar biased into engagement with the code bars for movement under the influence of its bias toward the code bars when the code bars are positioned according to a fourth predetermined arrangement; first function-causing means responsive to movement under its bias of either the first or second function bars for causing a first function to be performed; second function-causing means responsive to the movement under its bias of either the third or fourth function bars for causing the first function and a second function to be performed; a first function-resetting means comprises a first stripper means for resetting the first and third function bars after function have been performed thereunder at least once, thereby assuring performance of the functions at least twice; and a second function resetting means comprises a second stripper means responsive to the operation of the first function for resetting the second and fourth function bars prior to the conclusion of one operation of the functions, thereby assuring performance of the functions no more than once. 